What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.
Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his latest win.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card in the West Coast in December or possibly to an show in the Middle East late December.
"It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object," Hearn told Ring Magazine.
"He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say 'you're out in two weeks in an eight-rounder'."
Joshua has made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.
Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Itauma, told BBC Sport that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".
Itauma has also been mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before the main event.
Speaking about potential fights and asked if we could see Chisora and Whyte meet for a third time, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December".
Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.
The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.
Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is content to remain outside the ring.
During a recent interview on FurociTV, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".
But the veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.